Puzzled by bridge names!

Tuesday, 01 December 2009 18:00

I thought I would share these with you!

We were rather confused by Bridge 63. It is named as Tunstall Water Bridge in Nicholson and the plaque on the north side as we approached confirmed this.

Approaching Tunstall Water Bridge

As we neared there was a sign on the towpath side of the bridge - Dunstall Water Bridge.

The other side (south) of the bridge this was repeated

So which was right? An explanation may be this:-

Smestow Brook crosses the canal here on an aqueduct (circa 1770). It was not diverted intothe canal as it powered mills further downstream on its way to the River Severn. So was the footpath on the aqueduct a later addition and named Tunstall Water Bridge? Or is it just a misprint on the plaque, perpetuated by the Nicholson map?

Another structure that I was interested to see was the cill in Wightwick Lock. It is in very good condition and clearly shows the curved construction and the paddles down.

Cill at bottom of top gates

It was nice not to have to avoid the waterfall that is a frequent occurrence in locks due to leaky gates and paddles!

It is a shame the bottom gates and bridge are not so good

The age of the Staffs and Worcs canal makes it a very interesting canal to cruise and from memory there are more delights to come!